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Top 5 Uses for Washi Tape

By Leslie Sleesman on June 17, 2015

I think almost any planner addict will agree that washi tape is one of their essentials, but what do they use it for? Here are the 5 ways I use washi tape most often in my planner!

1) Decoration - I think this is a pretty common use and something most people have probably already thought of but I love it! I always block off my weekends with a strip of washi and it’s a great way to fill in leftover white space I have at the end of my week. #teamsomewhitespace!

2) Marking Events - I use washi tape in my monthly spread to block off long time periods of events. I just find it simpler and more aesthetically pleasing than writing in the same event for five days in a row.

3) Covering Words or Decoration – Sometimes, no matter how perfect your planner fits your schedule, there are words, sections, or decorations that just don’t go with your week and washi is a great way to cover those things up.

4) Reinforcing Binding – This one I don’t personally use as I haven’t uncoiled my planner, but for those who use a Kikki K or Filofax it can be nice to use a strip of washi on the edge of the pages. Using washi before punching holes makes the holes sturdy and helps them resist tearing when page flipping. 

5) Color Coding and Theming – I don’t know about you, but I’m a big fan of color coding or theming weeks around holidays. Washi is the perfect way for me to turn my whole week into a holiday or to help me emphasize a color for that week.

There are plenty of places to buy washi tape but my favorites so far have been Michaels, Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores, and Target. What about you? Any spectacular uses I’m missing out on? Do you know of a place I should be looking for washi tape? Let me know in the comments down below!


This blog post was written by Kelly Cosgrove for the Limelife Planners Media & Creative Team. For more information about Kelly connect with her on Instagram: @kellysprettyplanner. Please share and repost this blog entry with your friends! All we ask is that you give credit to Limelife Planners and the post author.

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Planning with the Photographer Add-On

By Leslie Sleesman on June 16, 2015

One of the things I love most about my Limelife Planner is the photographer section.  I’m a very amateur photographer, but I do have a small client base that is steadily growing.  I started taking photos for others a few years ago, mostly as a favor to friends.  Now that I do so on a regular basis, I need an easy way to keep track of my sessions.

I’ve been so pleased with the photographer add-on section of my planner*.  Photography is such an open-ended profession, and each photographer organizes things very differently.  The photographer section includes a variety of sheets, so it was easy to pick and choose what works best for me.

Photo Jun 13, 9 59 40 PM.jpg

After a few weeks, I realized that I really only needed to use a handful of the columns, so I just highlighted the ones I need.  As my business grows and I need to keep more things organized, it’s right there waiting for me!

I’ve mentioned this before in previous blog posts, but I just love having this section right in my planner.  I always have it with me, and I can quickly reference session information if needed.

Photography is quickly becoming a large part of my life, and the ability to customize my planner is the perfect way to keep it all organized!

* The planner pictured is the 2014/2015 Limelife Planner. 


This blog post was written by Abbey Niebel for the Limelife Planners Media & Creative Team. For more information about Abbey connect with her on Instagram: @mrsniebel. Please share and repost this blog entry with your friends! All we ask is that you give credit to Limelife Planners and the post author.

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Documenting Memories In Your Planner

By Leslie Sleesman on June 15, 2015

For some of us our planner is not only our second brain, but we use it as a sort of scrapbook. It is a place to document life events and memories that we can look back on.  Why not?  We spend so much time, money, and love on our planners that we should cherish them always.  It’s a great way to flip back through and know exactly when something happened, and keep little mementoes for reminiscing.

Unfortunately, I have a perfect example of that for you this week.  My Aunt passed away suddenly from an unknown cause.  She was a very special woman in my life, and had a huge impact on the person I am today.  Naturally when someone passes, you begin reflecting on all the good memories and things that remind you of that person.  So when I went to decorate my planner for the week of her funeral, I dedicated it to her.  She was the first person to introduce me to Doctor Who at a young age.  I created my own Doctor Who stickers by downloading images off the internet and printing them onto sticker paper.  Her favorite color was pink, so that was the color for my theme.  It’s been sad around here, but every time I looked at my planner I was reminded of all the happy memories.

Another way I chose to honor her was to create a pocket that I could preserve the program from her funeral and her obituary in.  As much as I always have good intentions of keeping those types of items in a safe place, I always end up losing them.  A lightbulb went off and I decided to keep it in my planner, this way I’ll always have it.

I went to Wal-Mart and purchased Avery Sheet Protectors in the size 5.5”x8.5” (item number 75007).  I trimmed the pre-hole punched tab off the side but not cutting into the seam.  Then I attached 2 Post-It Divider tabs and marked dots that lined up with my coil.  I punched them out with an 1/8” hole punch and cut a slit in each hole.  This created an Acid-Free/Archival Safe clear pocket that secures into my planner to keep my mementos in.  I found a pretty pink piece of scrapbook paper and cut it down to fit inside my pocket.  On one side of the scrapbook paper I placed the funeral program, and her obituary on the other. 

Not exactly a happy topic from me today, but I hope it gave you an idea of how you keep memorabilia in your planner too.  Do you treat your planner as a sort of scrapbook too?  Are you like me and look back at past years' planners?


This blog post was written by Emilee Adams for the Limelife Planners Media & Creative Team. For more information about Emilee visit her blog at www.emileespeaks.com. Please share and repost this blog entry with your friends! All we ask is that you give credit to Limelife Planners and the post author.

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An Interview with Planner Pandemonium

By Leslie Sleesman on June 12, 2015

One desire that every planner girl shares is the need to have everything in one place. Vicki, the owner of the Planner Pandemonium Etsy shop, emphasizes by sharing the following confession, “I’ve tried many electronic calendars, planners, etc but they just didn’t jive with my life. I like having it all written down in one place, so I can glance at it and know what’s ahead.” As I mentioned before, not only is she a planner, but she is also a shop owner of one of the most popular sticker shops around. What makes her shop so unique are her Pimp My Planner Bundles. The idea that has interested hundreds around the world started with this thought inside Vicki’s head, “I thought what if someone could get all they needed to plan for a month in one bundle. The idea seemed like a good one to me, so I started working on putting together an entire month’s worth of stickers.” 

I for one am so grateful that she did take on the challenge of creating such a bundle. Without it, I wouldn’t have been able to make this beautiful spread. This spread was made using her April Pimp My Planner Kit. Just like every one of her kits, this kit had a theme, and it was a farm animal theme. I thought this was a perfect theme given it was sent out during the spring season. The designer for this set of farm animal stickers was Vicki’s very own sister, Jessica.  

If you are interested in receiving a guaranteed happy mail package each month without having to wait for a certain time in hopes of being able to purchase one, run on over to Planner Pandemonium’s Facebook page and add your Paypal Email Address, Subscription Preference, and Shipping Destination to her waiting list for Pimp My Planner Kits. It is an easy find as it is a pinned post. Vicki’s and Jessica’s goal is to have all of the Pimp My Planner Kit’s orders out by the 15th of the previous month, and all regular orders have the goal of seven days before shipping out. Vicki does not take the colossal amount of excitement for her products lightly as she shares this heartfelt statement, “I am extremely humbled and honored that the little idea I had almost a year ago now has become something that brings joy to others. Sometimes it’s even hard to wrap my brain around the whole concept, and I honestly hope that I can continue to create and adapt to the ever-changing world of planner lovers.  My goal is to continue to bring out beautiful sets of stickers every month that provide a little bit of happiness at the mailbox!”

Once you receive the kit in the mail, you will receive all kinds of different types of stickers including labels, half boxes, and full boxes. Creative checklists and flags are always given a unique touch! The quotes that are included in the kit are my favorite part of the order. I think the most popular reason that most people sign up to receive the kit is because of the stickers for the holidays during the month of the kit. This is just what I have noticed to be in every order from month to month, but there are months with even more surprises from washi to dashboards to cute discoveries from another original shop!

As if all of these goodies were not enough, the owner and I are currently in the process of working together to create a Pimp My Planner Kit distinctively for Limelife Planners, so that the stickers fit even better than they do now. This is just another step towards reaching her goal. “My goal is to create one-of-a-kind designs that are functional for the needs of planners as well as something that creates a look that can be uniquely you,” Vicki explains.

Fridays are often very exciting days for the followers of this shop for this is when she sometimes posts new releases. When she does add new releases to her shop, they are on sale for 30% off during the first 12 hours on the release date.  She makes sure to keep you updated on her Facebook page even showing sneak peeks prior to release dates. Follow her Instagram (@plannerpandemonium) for a special discount!

The owner, Vicki, is so sweet to think of her customer’s needs like this, and with every decision that she makes you can see that kindness describes her true character. In fact, after asking her what she enjoys most about owning her business, she selflessly responded, “Never in my wildest dreams would I have imagined knowing someone like you, Elliscia, along with many of the other people who have become such advocates for me and my shop! I am a people person at heart and I love bringing joy to others. For me, it’s imagining the smiles on faces when people open up their Planner Pandemonium package that keeps me working tirelessly each day.“  

In essence, the feeling of knowing that a shop owner appreciates the relationships and the community just as much as you do brings a permanent smile to one’s face, and the fact that her stickers are amazing is just a bonus! I consider myself blessed to have the talented work from Planner Pandemonium inside my planner and the community that is created on her Facebook page as a part of my life. Come join the fun! 


This blog post was written by Elliscia Axson-Hall for the Limelife Planners Media & Creative Team. For more information about Elliscia visit her on Instagram @elliscia_plans. Please share and repost this blog entry with your friends! All we ask is that you give credit to Limelife Planners and the post author.

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Pimp Your Planner

By Leslie Sleesman on June 11, 2015

Planning doesn't have to be a boring job. Just as your wardrobe reflects your personality, your planner can be an extension of it as well. Most of us "planner nerds" are into decorating and making our planners pretty. It's mixing being functional with showing your creative side. Maybe you don't have time to craft or maybe you just love to pretty up your planner. I am going to share some of my favorites shops and products to pimp your planner out. Some have the added bonus of looking pretty and being an additional tool to use. 

1) DASHBOARDS & SASSY CLIPS

My favorite place to shop for dashboards is Stickebeans on Etsy.  Dashboards can be spunky, beautiful or silly to reflect you and your personality. It's a great place to attach a variety of sticky notes where you can have them at your fingertips or the type I am sharing here is more of a functional white board so to speak. Use a sharpie marker and make your notes so that the ink doesn't smear and easily wipe it clean with an alcohol pad and it is ready to go for the next time. 

Sassy clips are just small clips you can use as a page marker and they have some really fun sayings to reflect your mood. Anna is super sweet and she ships fast. 

2) PLANNER CHARMS

Planner Charm 1.jpg

Bling out your planner by adding a planner charm or planner jewelry. Crafters Retreat on Etsy has some cute charms in several varieties such as metal charms, Scrabble tiles and you can even personalize them with pictures.  

3) PAPER CLIPS

Paperclips.jpg

This one is pretty near and dear to my heart as I have an Etsy shop doing paperclips. Mine are paper pieced and I have a variety of them. I also have purchased some clay ones on Instagram that are super cute. The button styles can be personalized or you can get a variety of images on them. At Hobby Lobby and similar stores you can find some shaped paperclips as well. These are both cute and functional to hold notes etc. 

4) TASSELS

Hautepinkfluff has a variety of tassels in her shop. She has loads of colors and varieties as well as pom poms! You are bound to find a pretty color to coordinate with your planner in her shop. I have several of her tassels and they are not only pretty, but they are super soft as well. 

5) PROJECT LIFE CARDS

Project Life or similar cards have a variety of themes, colors etc. that you can change up whenever you feel like it. I just recently started buying these. I do not do the pocket scrapbooking but I love to add them to my planner.

I laminate mine for extra durability but you do not have to do that. There are also shops on Etsy selling a laminated strip you can attach to pictures or these types of cards to attach them to your coiled planners.

I hope you enjoyed a look at a few accessories you can use to make your planner pretty. What do you use to pimp your planner?

Links to Products Mentioned:
dashboards, clips and accessories: 
STICKEBEANS

Planner Tassels:
HAUTEPINKFLUFF

Planner Charms:
CRAFTERS RETREAT

Paperclips:
CRAFTINCHAOS
@ISIS_ELLA_JEWELS (find her on instagram only)

Project Life Cards (Can be purchased at Hobby Lobby, Michaels etc):
 


This blog post was written by Debbie Crowder for the Limelife Planners Media & Creative Team. For more information about Debbie visit her blog at www.craftinchaos.com. Please share and repost this blog entry with your friends! All we ask is that you give credit to Limelife Planners and the post author.

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Keeping the Kiddo Organized

By Leslie Sleesman on June 10, 2015

Summer is near and my kid is beyond excited. However, having a special needs kid on the autism spectrum means that I still have to be able to keep him on routine. He's all about visual cues so I knew I needed something fun and interactive. It also needed to have the ability to be updated. 

I first saw the Melissa & Doug Magnetic Daily Calendar and Chore Chart at my local bookstore. I knew that this could definitely work for us. These boards come with tons of magnets to make it fit every child. I couldn't wait to get started.

Gathering up 3M wall hangers, magnet tape and such, I was able to make additional chores and events to personalize the boards even more. I mounted the boards low enough on the wall in his room so that he would be able to change and update them. 

He absolutely loves them! He wakes up in the morning and is eager to see what is going to happen for the day. It helps keep us all on track. What do you do to keep your kids on track? 
 
Links for Melissa & Doug Magnetic Boards:
My Wooden Magnetic Daily Calendar
Magnetic Responsibility Learning Chart


This blog post was written by Kate Morse for the Limelife Planners Media & Creative Team. For more information about Kate visit her blog at www.youtoomore.com. Please share and repost this blog entry with your friends! All we ask is that you give credit to Limelife Planners and the post author. 

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Customized Stickers for the Limelife Planner

By Leslie Sleesman on June 08, 2015

As you probably know, I own a shop on Etsy (well, two actually, but one is for planner supplies!) and since I have been in love with the Limelife Planner for some time now, I make custom-sized stickers for the Limelife Planner.

The layout I am most in love with is the ‘Option C’ which is the layout with the 6 horizontal rows. I love customizing my own labels for each family member (there are 4 of us) plus one row for ‘Home’ and one row for “To Do.’ I make these available in any color or wording you choose. I also make the same labels in a glitter version. While these can’t be any color as there are only a few colors I can make them, you are able to customize the wording how ever you’d like.

I also make the glitter label stickers for the Limelife Planner ‘Option A’ and also for ‘Option C.' The boxes have a specific size, to which I can make them fit to any specific size you need. The glitter labels I make have been very popular since the first day I introduced them, so naturally those were the first ones I made available in the Limelife Planner size.

I also have the vertical hydrate stickers available to fit the Limelife Planner ‘Option A.’ They are long enough to fill the entire box!

Feel free to check out my shop at thealexstudio.com, and shoot me a message if you don’t see what you need! 


This blog post was written by Nicole Ferland for the Limelife Planners Media & Creative Team. For more information about Nicole visit her store at www.thealexstudio.com. Please share and repost this blog entry with your friends! All we ask is that you give credit to Limelife Planners and the post author.

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I’ve Fallen in Love and Her Name is Orla!

By Leslie Sleesman on June 05, 2015

I have officially become so planner obsessed that I can’t stand to be without my supplies for any amount of time. I force myself to leave the supplies at home during class. I would never pay attention otherwise, but bets are off for anywhere else! Dog sitting for one night? Must have it! At the boyfriend’s for the weekend? Give me the planner supplies! Coffee date with my newly planner obsessed friend? Obviously! The problem is - how am I supposed to carry washi, stickers, scissors, glue sticks and page flags around??

Problem solved thanks to my new Orla Kiely Weekender bag! It holds so much stuff, including my planner, I can’t even believe it. I’ve seen people use them for planner supplies before and let me tell you – the hype is real!

One pocket holds my stickers, washi, scissors, page flags, and corner rounder, the middle insert is the perfect place to hold pens, and the other pocket fits my Limelife Planner all snug and secure. I purchased a 5x7 photo case from Michaels to hold stickers and I’m using the poly envelope I bought from Dollar Tree to hold my page flags.

I absolutely adore having options when I’m planning away from my natural environment. Before, I was always missing the sticker I wanted (needed!) to signify my weekend getaway or I needed a tape runner to securely attach those pesky, but cute, Target page flags. And don’t get me started about pens! I love to color code and coordinate; I own more pens than any reasonable person should and it would be impossible to carry every shade of blue my little heart could desire. This bag is my lifesaver – cute, compact, and spacious enough for all 10 blue pens!

The best part about this bag? I found it at Ulta on clearance!! I missed out on them when they were at Target so I was thrilled to hear that Ulta would be carrying them – until I saw the Ulta price tag was twice as high as the Target one. Totally by chance I walked by the clearance shelf and there she was all bright, beautiful, and half off!

So what about you? Did I inspire you to rush off to the nearest clearance aisle? Or, and it pains me to say this, do you have a better system that I should know about? Let me know in the comments!


This blog post was written by Kelly Cosgrove for the Limelife Planners Media & Creative Team. For more information about Kelly connect with her on Instagram: @kellysprettyplanner. Please share and repost this blog entry with your friends! All we ask is that you give credit to Limelife Planners and the post author.

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Scheduling Your Day

By Leslie Sleesman on June 04, 2015

I have a hard time sticking to a schedule during the day and in turn that means a lot doesn't get done. I can have to do lists out the wazoo, but if I don't have a hourly schedule nothing gets accomplished. I started using the Daily Hourly Paper Pad from Limelife Planners and it has made a huge difference in my every day schedule. 

On the left hand side I like to put what blog posts I still have left to write along with their due dates. If I finish one that day I mark it off. If I still need to work on it I add to the next day's list. This goes along with the rest of my to do list. 

The right has time slots which helps me stay on track for the day. It even has a space where you can add your quote for the day. This is a good place to put something motivational.

At the bottom there is a place for reminders. I put important appointments/activities in this section, that way I can remember what needs to be done for the coming weeks.

How do you keep track of your daily schedule?


This blog post was written by Sarah Halstead for the Limelife Planners Media & Creative Team. For more information about Sarah visit her blog at www.sarahhalstead.com. Please share and repost this blog entry with your friends! All we ask is that you give credit to Limelife Planners and the post author.

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Teacher Appreciation Ideas

By Leslie Sleesman on June 03, 2015

The end of the school year is upon us!  Some of you lucky ones have been out for a few weeks, but my kiddos are done on Thursday.  We’re busy with the typical rush:  last-minute projects, performances, celebrations, and kindergarten graduation for my daughter.  We’ve had an especially wonderful year, and I’ve been trying to think of a meaningful gift for her teacher.  In my mind, there’s nothing worse than spending money on a gift that I'm not sure will be used.

As soon as Limelife Planners announced the teacher planner, I knew I’d struck gold.  I personally love my planner, so I know it’s a gift that will be used and loved.  As a former teacher myself, I know the value of a good teacher planner!  I’m so happy they offer the option of a printable gift certificate so that the teacher can fully customize (and also so that I can procrastinate and throw this together the night before).

If you have some time to plan ahead, consider a gift from one of these darling Etsy stores.  Ello There makes lovely paper products (among other things!), and I think a package of their cute greeting cards would be a really thoughtful and unique gift.  

Brim Papery has some super fun items.  I have one of her mugs, and it’s really nice.  I also have my eye on that tote bag!

If you’re operating on a tight gift budget, there are still some cute and meaningful ways to say thank you.  One year, I bought a package of fresh berries for each teacher (who doesn’t love berries?) and attached a sweet tag.  Another family favorite here is to make some homemade cookies or bread.

Gift cards are, of course, always a good option.  My go-to gift card choices are iTunes (teachers will use these for classroom songs and apps, as well as for their own enjoyment!), a local teacher supply store, Target, and (of course) Starbucks.  I love to dress up the packaging to make it feel a little more personal.

As with any gift, a heartfelt note will always be appreciated.  This year, my daughter’s principal sent a letter to each student about standardized testing.  It was really touching, and I cried and then shared it on Facebook.  It got quite a bit of really positive comments, so I printed them out and included that with the gift, and gave a copy to the principal.

However you choose to show your appreciation this year, chin up!  Lazy summer days are nearly here!


This blog post was written by Abbey Niebel for the Limelife Planners Media & Creative Team. For more information about Abbey connect with her on Instagram: @mrsniebel. Please share and repost this blog entry with your friends! All we ask is that you give credit to Limelife Planners and the post author.

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